New Old Casati

Three weeks ago I called American Cyclery in SF and asked if they had any of the NOS Casati Victory bikes left. They had a quantity of new old stock never ridden Casati Italian steel beauties, equipped with all Campy. Campy NR headset and bb, SR brake levers, Record rims, and everything else Campy Victory. I was told they had none left except for 48cm and 64cm.

Just to make sure, a week later I called their other toll-free at a time I thought would be less hectic. The person answering the phone was kind enough to check their inventory carefully and - lucky me - he saw they had three 54cm left. One red and two blue/silver. I immediately purchased the red one.

I just got it today. All I can say is WOW !!!. What a bike. These are early 80's vintage bikes. Lugs are beautiful - carefully crafted and filed. Seat stays are way cool. The stem and seat post are pantographed with colors. Awesome. It is a very light feeling bike.

It measures a little small - actually about 53.5 c-t but standover is 31".

I really think - equipped as they are - they are a steal in steel. Sweet! Now I need a Casati water bottle.

I'm not sure I like the pedals. They are Campy Victory, but I think I prefer Campy NR or SR pedals. If anyone wants to trade me for a NR or SR set with toeclips, let me know. My pedals are brand new and have new Campy toe clips and straps. They look awesome but I like a rectangular platform under my feet (I have some physical leg and foot problems).

It looks just like the pics on their web site. I have a new PC and my old digital camera uses a port that this pc does not have.....so I don't have pics yet. But if you go to their web site American Cyclery in SF you'll see the same color bike.

I also have a 73'/'74 Raleigh International that is a 9 out of 10 condition, an old Nuova Racer Bianchi from around 1985, and a new Lemond Tourmalet that I upgraded to all Ultegra with exception of cassette and chain which are DuraAce. I'm alo looking at buying a new 1983 Benotto 850, but can't find enough info to put an accurate value on it.

Three weeks ago I called American Cyclery in SF and asked if they had any of the NOS Casati Victory bikes left. ... These are early 80's vintage bikes. Lugs are beautiful - carefully crafted and filed. ...

That sounds like my kind of bike! I can't think of anything nicer than a steel Italian frame of that era.